Automatic electric generating system



May 13, 1924. 1,493,733

wFt'cmma AUTOMATIC ELECTRIC GENERATING SYSTEM Filed July 29. 1920 MMWMM'M rammed May 13, 1924.

. internal combustion engin UNITEDSTA HOWARD FIELD CABPENTEB, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

aurom'nc nm'ac'rmc GENERATING SYSTEM.

Application flied July 29, 1920., Serial No. 398,789.

To'all whom it may concern:

a resident of New York city, in the county of New York and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improve ments in an Automatic Electric Generating System, of which the following is a specification.

In carrying out my invention]: use an directly connected to an electro-magnetlc machine, an electric storage batteryor. accumulator, and :in automatic rheostat or controller, all of any ordinary make and serving their usual functions in apparatus or systems of the character to which my invention relates. In connection with these, I provide means which will .render the apparatus simple, positive and automatic, and at all times safeguard and prevent the battery from reaching such a low condition of discharge that it would be too weak to crank the engine through the clectro-magnetic machine. In other apparatus. heretofore employed or suggested, it has been attem ted to-secure an automatic control regulat b the voltage or E. M. F. of the load and lie battery,- i. e., a relay or switch that has contact points held open. or closed by a predetermined high or low voltage on either the load line or battery, and closing or opening by spring or otherwise when the load reached a certain amount or the battery was discharged to a certain point or both.

While this method or system has resulted in successfully starting or stopping the generating machinery, in practice it has worked out to the detriment of the battery and the ultimate collapse of the automatic system. Hand operation has then become necessary to again get it back to .automalic functioning. This is attended by trouble, delay, cx pense and an additional consumption :of both .time and fuel. In these old systems the automatic starting mechanism does not work until there is a predetermined fall in battery voltage through usin the battery current on a load.- When t is degree of weakness on thepart of the battery is reached. the automatic mechanism functions and the battery motors the electro-magnetic machine and engineinto action, but-directly the roltagcpn the charging line rises, the automatic mechanism is opened and the generating machinery is stopped, therefore the battery has not been recharged to as com ,letc a point as it was when the cycle of ischarge was begun and it requires a much shorter period of discharge on the load to again start the charging mechanism and so on down the curve line until the battery is too far exhausted to start the generating machinery. The machinery must then be cranked by hand and a long charge giventhe battery to bring it back to required strength.

The ampere hour meter has been employed in the automatic starting and stopping of an electric generating machine in combination .with a battery. but such a system will maintain the charging current only and until the number of amperes, equal to the numberwithdrawn has been returned, thus the loss due to battery ineliiciency between charge and discharge has not been made up and the resultant drgp-on the curve line is obvious. Practice has also prove" the ampere hour meter unreliable as it is frail in contact making and not sullicicntly rugged to properly function under varying conditions.

A storage battery or accumulator sets up a counter E. M. F. to the charging or impressed E; M. F. in proportion to the degrce of charge, and therefore at full discharge there is a minimum counter E. M. I. for a given charging or' impressed E. M. F. The charging rate automatically drops as the cell voltage rises, until the battery is fully charged.

' .In my apparatus I take advantage of this fact and control the automatic starting and stopping mechanism by the number of ampores of current flowing through two ac-' tuating solenoid coils of proper windings. one or both of said coils being in series with the load, starting or charging current, at all times.

When the load,'while on the battery only,

exceeds a predetermined flow. one of the solenoids automatically switches-the elec tro-magnetic machine on the battery. The current from the battery to the elcctro magnetic machine thenasses through the second solenoicland bot solenoids are in series with the starting current and the combined pull f both is on the self-starting mechanism. Then the electro-magnetlc machine has motored the engine to speed and the engine begins its function as such, the battery takes current from the electromagnetic machine, now acting as a generator, and -themharging current therefrom passes through the two'aforementioned solenoids and the-combined pull on the iron cores thereofdueto the current flow to the battery or the load, or both, keep the charging machinery in operation until the bat teries are charged or the load is reduced to the predetermined point, or both, at which time the charging machine will stop.

The load, other than the battery, during this time is carried direct from the generator and this load current flowsthrou b one of the aforementioned solenoids an therefore combines with the battery in holdi the neratin machinery in operation. I sutlicient load is on the loadcircuit, the generator would be kept running even after the battery charging currentwas reduced to'the minimum amperag'qor-if thedoad; be reduced to a minimum, or cut oil entirely, tire. generator will keep, 'nning until the battery .is fully charged. Therefore my apparatus not only generating machinery when the load-on the battery is of sullicient amperage, but it will continue such generation of current until the battery is fully charged and the load reduced to the point where the battery can carry it without becoming too greatly discharged.

To accomplish this I provido'as an irnportant feature of my invention, a circu t closing and opening mechanism which 15 actuated by the number of amperesflowing through one or both of said solenoid coils and which together with other important. features of my invention. will be pointed out more particularly hereinafter.

In the accompanying drawings I have illustrated somewhat diagrammatically a circuit and operating parts .designed for carr ing out my invention. The main parts of the apparatus include an internal combustion engine A of any desired make or kind and adapted to operate an electro-mag-- netic machine B so that the latter will act as a generator for carrying the load or charging the battery. This electromagnetic machine is preferably shunt wound and is of such a claracter that when current is delivered thereto from the battery it will serve as amotor to crank or start. the engine. The increased engine .spccd which takes place when the engine starts its normal cycle of operations causes the electro-magnetic machine to cease -to ,act as a motor and begin acting as agenerator. The engine A and motor genera-tor B may be connected in any suitable manner, as for instance by a coupling C.

The system also includes a battery D which is of the storage battery type and is of such size and voltage as to properly adapt it for the conditions of use. The

one side of the main double pole .switch H to thewire 10.

functions to start the switch H, back to the negative pole load is indicated diagrammatically as a lamp bank E. f

The maincircuits for battery charging, engine startin and load carrying by the generator or the battery include a wlre fro'mthe positive pole o1the battery to load, a wire 12 from the load throughjthe solenoid 13 back to the negative other side of th coil F, and wire pole of the batter(y. An ammeter. 11 is (5 preferably employe the wire 10 to indicate the flow of all current to the load.

The generator, when generating current, delivers through a wire 14, rheostat 15,

This wire 16 may include a coil 17, the function ofwhich will be setforth hereinafter, and an ammeter 18 for indicating the flow of current to or from the motor or generator. of the electro-magneticmachine is connected through a wire 19 and solenoid coil G to the wire 12 and thence to the load. This wire 19 may include one blade of the double blade switch H.

When the engineand generator are at rest and thebattery is carryinga very small load the mam circuit follows, 'from 15 as battery through wire 10, ammeter 11, load E, wire 12, coil It, and wire 13 to the battery.

When .the electro magnetic machine 15 acting as a motor to start the engine the flow of current is as follows-from battery D through wire10, ammeter 18, coil 17, wire 16, blade of switch H, rheostat 15, wire 14,

motor B, wire 19, blade of switch H, coil G, coil F, and :wire 13 back to battery. Vi'hen the engine is running and the electromagnetic machine B is acting as a generator to charge the carrying any load, the circuit is the reverse of that last above traced. \Vhen the battery is fully charged and the load is being carried by the generator. the {low of current from the generator rheostat 15, blade of switch- H,- wire 16, coil 17, amme ter 18. wire 10 including ammeter 11 to load E, thence through wire 12, coil 1 and wire 19 including blade of the generator. hese'circuits hereinabove traced are very similar to others-which have heretofore been used for the same general purpose exceptas regards the sole noid coils F and G. one of thescis in circuit when the battery carries the load, the other is in circuit when the generator carries the load, and both are in circuit when the batterv is being charged or the electromagnetic is operating as a motor to startthe engine.

In connection with the solenoid coils F and G I employ a circuit closing member operating in a. ranch circuit and controlling the rheostat and certain other parts 130 and wire 16 80 The opposite pole B5 battery and without is through wire 14,

It will be noted that machine of the system. This circuit closing memmagnetic pull of the solenoid cores is a coil spring 24 which normally holds the member in engagement with the stop 22. For limiting the speed of movement of the member 20 and preventing its instantaneous return under the act-ion'of the spring 2-1 when the solenoid coil' circuit is interrupted or drops to zero, I provide a dash-pot 22'. This and the spring 24 are shown as con-, nected to an arm 26 projecting from the member 20 in the opposite direction to the arm 21.

The member 20 is electrically connected to the positive sides of the battery D and seaerator B at all times, the connection being shown as a wire 27 including a solenoid coil 28 connected to the wire 16 between the rhe ostat and the switch H.

The member presents a. cam surface 29 of such formthat when in normal position, as shown in the drawing, it is out of engagement with a contact spring 30. As the member 20 is ulled over or rocked clockwise by the so enoids E or G, or both, the

.SH'lII" contact- 30 comes into en 'a mcn t with the cam surface 29 of the member 20 anda circuit is closed from the electrically positive member 20 through spring contact 30, wire 31, hand 'switclr82, wire 3-53, automatic switch 34,- and wire to wire 13 and the negative side of the battery. Thus a suflicient flow of current through coil F or G, or both. operates to close the circuit between the member 20 and the spring contact 30, energizes the solenoid coil 28, operates the rheostat and closes the battery'circuit thmugh the elcctro-magn'etic machine B. The latter now operates as a motor to crank the engine. The operation of the rheostat and of the core'of the solenoid 28 is retarded by an upwardly acting dash-pot 37.

The movement of the core of the coil 28 and the arm of the rheostat also serves to control the ignition circuit of the motor..

As shown somewhat diagranunatically. one of the moving parts, for instance the core of the solenoid :28, carries a switch member 38 in the engine ignition circuit. I do not wish to be limited to any particular type of ignition but merely for purposes of illustration have indicated a n'lagueto 39 with the switch 38 in a ground wire 40 of the magneto. Thus as soon as the coil 28 operates the rheostat to deliver starting current to the motor B, theground circuit of the magneto will be broken and the engine ignition put into operation.

The solenoid 28isalso illustrated as operating a small switch 41 in the wire 27. The win: includes a resistance coil 42 normally out of circuit and permittin" free initial llow of current to the solenoid coil 28 but as themcmber 38 is moved upwardly it operates the switch member H to throw in the resistance-12 and cut down the full flow to the solenoid. The circuit is never broken by the switch 41 as the direct connection is not closed until after theresistance is. cut in. The ol'lcl'tltlim of the member 20 by the solenoids I" or G. or both, also operates to control another branch to prevent depletionof the battery on very ight load on the'battery. .'\s shown, a-wire 43 is connected to the wire 31 'and thus to the negative side of the battery as above described. This wire 43 is connected to a switch member 44 which is operated by a spring arm 45 connected to the arm 26 of the member 20 but insulated than the latter. This switch 44 is normally 0 Jen but is be positioned.that will close before spring contact 30 and upon a conl m-ratively slight movement of the member 20-and thus on a comparativelylight load circuit through coil F. The switch 4- when operated, closes a circuit through a wire 16 to a lamp 47 enclosed-in a casing K. From the lamp it flows to a normally closed switch 48 connected. to the wire H. The switch is so positioned that it may be controlled in part by the action of the core 49 of the shunt coil 60 as hereinafter set forth.

The lamp 4?, enclosed in casing K, op-

of the. thermostatic circuit closer 50 is con-- nectcdby wires (51 and 27 to coil 28. Thus when the lam 47 burns for some time on very light load, it causes closing of the therniostatic circuit closer. In case a sullicieut load is turned on to move the member 20 a suflicient distance to close the circuit througlrthe spring contact'flfl. the solenoid coil 28 will be energized. the rhcostat closed and the engine cranked by the battery.

It will be noted thatthe current for both the heating lamp 47 and the current for the solenoid coil 54 comes from the positive side of the battery through the switch 4h.

In addition to the series coil 17 there is a shunt coil encircling the solenoid core 4 These two coils may be arranged concentric with the coil 17 on the outside if desired Cit . and 34.

through this coil. The spring 59 normally holds the switch -18 closed. The tension of the spring is such that it requircscertain' voltage through the shunt coil to overcome the tension of the spring and open' the switch 48. \Vhen the battery current. starts motoring the electro-magnetic machine, there is a heavy rush of current through the series coil 17 which neutralizes the efi'ect of the shunt coil and keeps the switch 48 closed.

Directly the engine fires andthe electromagneticmachine begins acting as a generator, the voltage in the shunt coil 60 rises to the required voltage and the heavy current in the series coil is reduced and the shunt coil acts on the core against the spring 59 to open the switch 48. In case of an overload and the attendant rush of current through the series coil and the drop in voltage, the same closing 'of-the switch 48 would result. The closing of'th'e switch 48 energizes the solenoid 54 from the positive side of the battery and if 'oflong enough duration opens switch 34 and cuts negative current oil" 28, stopping plant.

As a precaution against the depleting of the battery by continuous motoringof the electro-ma'gnetic machine, in case saidmachino should fail to function through bad ignition or la'ck of fuel, a mechanism is provided that will open the own; to the solenoid 28 of the 'rhcostat and cause the rheostat to open and stop the flow of battery current to the motor. This operates as follows. It will he noted'that the solenoid coil 28 of the rheostat is connected to the positive side of the battery through wires 27* and 16 and is connected to the negative side of the bafttcry through wires 27, circuit closer 20, spring contact 30. and thence through switches 32 If the motor fails to start the switch 48 will remain closed and thus encr gizc the coil 54. This will open the switch 34 and prevent further flow of current through the solenoid 28, and the rheostat 15 will open. The conditions will not be reestablished for attempted restarting until after the switch 34 has been reset by hand.

In case it is desired to start motoring manuallyand without the automatic mcc-ha nisln, the switch 32 may be swung over to 180 to the contact 63 which isconnected to the wire 53. The current from the battery may flow through the wire 16, including coil 17, then through switch H, wire 27*, 0011 28, wire 27, wire 61, contact 63, switch 32, wire 33,.switch 3 and wires 35 and 13 to the negative side of the battery.

- Although I have shown ammeters for indicating the battery current and the load current. it will, of course, be evident that these do not form any portion of the invention and'merely facilitate an inspection of the workin conditions of the system. I have also s own a. volt meter with one terminal. connected to the wire 10 and the other to the wire 13 and thus to the poles of the battery. Thisvolt meter may be left in circuit at all times, if desired, although preferably there is a push button switch 66 which is normally opened and.which closes the circuit to permit a reading of the Volta e only while the push button is heldmanual y closed. Obviously the volt meter might be omitted, if desired. j i

"I have shown the two coils F and G as separate elements and with their separate cores rigidly connected. It will, of course, be evident that the coils of these-two solenoids might be formed as asingle coil and with a. single core and the wire 12 connected intermediate or the ends of the coil.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent isi 1. In an automatic electric generating system, the combination with an internal combust on engine an electro-magnetic machine adapted to serve as a generator when driven by the engine or as a motor for starting the engine, a storage battery, :1 load, andcircuits connecting the battery, electro-magnetic machine and load, of a solenoidincluding acoil at all times in the main battery charging and discharging circuit, and a. controller .m the connection between the battery and electromagnetic machinezand controlled by the movement of the armature of said solenoid.-

2. An automatic electric generating system of. the type in which battery current may operate an elcctro-magnetic machine to start an internal combustion engine when a. predetermined loadis put on the battery and in which the engine when started may drive the elcctro-magnetic machine to gener: ate current for carrying the load or chargingthe battery, distinguished by a solenoid coil in series with the battery during battery charging or engine starting operations. said coil having a core movable to control the circuit connecting the battery and electro-magnetic machine.

3. An automatic electric generating system of the type in which battery current may operate an electro-inagnetic machine to start an internal combustion engine when a predetermined load is put on the battery and in which the engine when startedmay drive the elect ro-magnet-ic machine to generate current for carrying the loador charging the battery, distinguished by a solenoid coil in series with the battery during batthe branch circuit of a solenoid operating a rheostat in the circuit of the electromagnetic machine.

4. In an automatic electric generating system, the combination with an internal combustion engine, an electro-magnetie machine adapted to serve as a generatorwhen driven by the engine or as a motor for starting the engine, a storage battery, a load, and circuits connecting the battery, electromagnetic machine and load, of a solenoid including a coil at all times in series with the battery, a controller in the connection between the battery and electro-magn etic machine and controlled by the movement of said solenoid, and a branch circuit closed by said controller upon a light load and including a heating device and a thermostatic circuit controller.

\ 5. In an automatic electric generating system, the combination with an internal combustion engine, an electro-magnetic' machine adapted to serve as a generator when driven by the engine or as a motor for starting the engine, a storage battery, a load, and circuits connecting the battery, electro-magnetic machine and load, of a solenoid inf cluding a coil at all times in series with the battery, and a controller in the connection between the battery and electro-magnetic machine and controlled by the movement of the armature of said solenoid, said controller operating upon a. comparatively'light load to close a branch circuit starting the motor after predetermined delay and operating upon a heavier current to eflect the immediate starting of the motor.

6. In an automatic electric generating system, the combination with an internal combustion engine, an electro-magnetic machine adapted to serve as a generator when driven by the engine or as a motor for starting the engine,'a-stora e battery, a load, and

circuits connecting t e battery, electro-magnetic machine and load, of a solenoid including a air of coils, one at all times in circuit wit the battery and the other at all times in circuit with the electro-magnetic -machine, and a rheostat in the connection between the battery and the electro-magnetic machine and controlled by the movement of the solenoid when either of said coils is energized. a

Si ed'at New York city, in the county of ew York and State of New York, this 23rd day of July A. D. 1920.

I HOWARD FIELD CARP NTER. 

